Isaiah Chapter 45 · Verse 16
They shall be ashamed, and also confounded, all of them: they shall go to confusion together that are makers of idols.
Original Language Analysis
בּ֥וֹשׁוּ
They shall be ashamed
H954
בּ֥וֹשׁוּ
They shall be ashamed
Strong's:
H954
Word #:
1 of 9
properly, to pale, i.e., by implication to be ashamed; also (by implication) to be disappointed or delayed
וְגַֽם
H1571
וְגַֽם
Strong's:
H1571
Word #:
2 of 9
properly, assemblage; used only adverbially also, even, yea, though; often repeated as correl. both...and
נִכְלְמ֖וּ
and also confounded
H3637
נִכְלְמ֖וּ
and also confounded
Strong's:
H3637
Word #:
3 of 9
properly, to wound; but only figuratively, to taunt or insult
כֻּלָּ֑ם
H3605
כֻּלָּ֑ם
Strong's:
H3605
Word #:
4 of 9
properly, the whole; hence, all, any or every (in the singular only, but often in a plural sense)
הָלְכ֣וּ
all of them they shall go
H1980
הָלְכ֣וּ
all of them they shall go
Strong's:
H1980
Word #:
6 of 9
to walk (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)
Cross References
Isaiah 42:17They shall be turned back, they shall be greatly ashamed, that trust in graven images, that say to the molten images, Ye are our gods.Isaiah 44:9They that make a graven image are all of them vanity; and their delectable things shall not profit; and they are their own witnesses; they see not, nor know; that they may be ashamed.Isaiah 44:11Behold, all his fellows shall be ashamed: and the workmen, they are of men: let them all be gathered together, let them stand up; yet they shall fear, and they shall be ashamed together.
Historical Context
As Israel's return vindicates Yahweh, idol-makers face exposure. Their confident predictions failed; Israel's God proved true. History vindicated monotheism.
Questions for Reflection
- What sources of false security lead to eventual shame and confusion?
- How does trusting in the true God prevent the shame that comes from misplaced faith?
Analysis & Commentary
In contrast to the true God, idol-makers are ashamed and confounded 'together.' The Hebrew 'yachdav' (together) emphasizes their collective failure. They go to confusion - the same 'confusion' (kelem) that characterizes their products. Idol worship produces shame because idols cannot save.